Are you ready to inspire the next generation? Join our Meet a Scientist program for National Science Week, 15 – 23 August 2026.
As a researcher, your passion and fresh perspective are exactly what the community needs to see. Inspiring Australia NSW is looking for dynamic researchers, scientists and engineers, and innovators to participate in our flagship Meet a Scientist program. We particularly encourage an early career researchers to join the program to help build their science communication skills.
This is your platform to share your research, tell your unique story and show the public what being a modern scientist is all about.
Supercharge your science communication: Hone your ability to pitch complex ideas to diverse, non-specialist audiences.
Build your profile: Showcase your work on a high-visibility statewide platform backed by Inspiring Australia NSW.
Make a real impact: Spark curiosity, talk to kids who may not know a real scientist, inspire the next generation, and break down stereotypes about who can be a scientist.
Whether you study the depths of the oceans, the far reaches of space, or the microscopic world of medical science, your voice matters.
The “Meet the Scientists” tent, hosted by Inspiring Australia, was a highlight for visitors of all ages, offering unique opportunities for meaningful engagement with experts. We look forward to continuing this partnership and fostering scientific curiosity in our community for years to come. Greater Sydney Parklands
Thanks again for recruiting scientists for our ‘meet the scientists’ stalls at our community open day. They were friendly and engaging and we saw lots of great conversations happening with the community… They also inspired our student volunteers. Sydney City Farm
What’s involved?
We’ll match you with a local community event that fits your availability.
You’ll receive access to a free online training session with practical tips for hands-on science communication.
Event logistics are all taken care of—just bring your enthusiasm and any props or materials you’d like to use.
Transport assistance may be available for some events if needed.
2026 opportunities
Woollahra Libraries – Speed Meet a Scientist, Double Bay, Sydney
When: Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 August Audience: 3 years to adults Time: 10am – 12.30pm & 1pm -3.30pm sessions
Commitment and requirements: Speakers will need to arrive 30 minutes before their session. In 6 minute rotations, you will talk to different families – discussing your expertise and encouraging them in their field of interest.
This year we are running a Wonderlab experience and setting up 3 separate tables for scientists to engage with the public in amongst a range of drop in experiments and curiosity experiences led by our Youth programs officer and other library staff. We will still showcase this as Speed meet a Scientist element of our Wonderlab event.
Science in the Swamp: Sunday 16 August
When: Sunday 16 August Advertised event time: 11am to 3pm Commitment and requirements: Arrive by 10.30am for induction, depart 3pm. Shorter shifts are available if needed but most researchers stay for the whole day, and we will provide lunch. You are to engage with families by providing a simple demonstration or interactive display at your own table. There will be ‘Meet the Scientist’ stalls set up specifically for this.
When: Saturday 22 August, Event time: 10am to 2pm Audience: Families and residents interested in food, sustainability, and healthy eating Commitment and requirements: There will be an informal drop in ‘Meet a scientist’ stall that will run all day. You will engage families and residents with an interactive display.
Western Sydney Parklands–Science in the Scrub at Lizard Log
When: Sunday 23 August Advertised event time: 11am to 3pm Audience: Diverse range with a focus on families Commitment and requirements: Arrive by 10.30am for induction, depart 3pm. Shorter shifts available if needed but most researchers stay for the whole day, and we will provide lunch. You are to engage with families by providing a simple demonstration or interactive display at a table. There will be ‘Meet the Scientist’ stalls set up specifically for this.
When: Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 September Advertised event time: 10am to 4pm Audience: Diverse range with a focus on families Commitment and requirements: Arrive by 10.00am for induction, depart 3pm. Shorter shifts available if needed but most researchers stay for the whole day, and we will provide lunch. You are to engage with individuals and families by providing a simple demonstration or interactive display at a table. There will be ‘Meet the Scientist’ stalls set up specifically for this.
Are you ready to inspire the next generation? Join our Meet a Scientist program for National Science Week, 15 – 23 August 2026.
As a researcher, your passion and fresh perspective are exactly what the community needs to see. Inspiring Australia NSW is looking for dynamic researchers, scientists and engineers, and innovators to participate in our flagship Meet a Scientist program. We particularly encourage an early career researchers to join the program to help build their science communication skills.
This is your platform to share your research, tell your unique story and show the public what being a modern scientist is all about.
Whether you study the depths of the oceans, the far reaches of space, or the microscopic world of medical science, your voice matters.
The “Meet the Scientists” tent, hosted by Inspiring Australia, was a highlight for visitors of all ages, offering unique opportunities for meaningful engagement with experts. We look forward to continuing this partnership and fostering scientific curiosity in our community for years to come.
Greater Sydney Parklands
Thanks again for recruiting scientists for our ‘meet the scientists’ stalls at our community open day. They were friendly and engaging and we saw lots of great conversations happening with the community… They also inspired our student volunteers.
Sydney City Farm
What’s involved?
2026 opportunities
Woollahra Libraries – Speed Meet a Scientist, Double Bay, Sydney
When: Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 August
Audience: 3 years to adults
Time: 10am – 12.30pm & 1pm -3.30pm sessions
Commitment and requirements: Speakers will need to arrive 30 minutes before their session. In 6 minute rotations, you will talk to different families – discussing your expertise and encouraging them in their field of interest.
This year we are running a Wonderlab experience and setting up 3 separate tables for scientists to engage with the public in amongst a range of drop in experiments and curiosity experiences led by our Youth programs officer and other library staff. We will still showcase this as Speed meet a Scientist element of our Wonderlab event.
Science in the Swamp: Sunday 16 August
When: Sunday 16 August
Advertised event time: 11am to 3pm
Commitment and requirements: Arrive by 10.30am for induction, depart 3pm. Shorter shifts are available if needed but most researchers stay for the whole day, and we will provide lunch. You are to engage with families by providing a simple demonstration or interactive display at your own table. There will be ‘Meet the Scientist’ stalls set up specifically for this.
Find out more
Sydney City Farm – Seeds of Science
When: Saturday 22 August,
Event time: 10am to 2pm
Audience: Families and residents interested in food, sustainability, and healthy eating
Commitment and requirements: There will be an informal drop in ‘Meet a scientist’ stall that will run all day. You will engage families and residents with an interactive display.
Find out more
Western Sydney Parklands – Science in the Scrub at Lizard Log
When: Sunday 23 August
Advertised event time: 11am to 3pm
Audience: Diverse range with a focus on families
Commitment and requirements: Arrive by 10.30am for induction, depart 3pm. Shorter shifts available if needed but most researchers stay for the whole day, and we will provide lunch. You are to engage with families by providing a simple demonstration or interactive display at a table. There will be ‘Meet the Scientist’ stalls set up specifically for this.
Find out more
Weekend in Wistaria – Paramatta Park
When: Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 September
Advertised event time: 10am to 4pm
Audience: Diverse range with a focus on families
Commitment and requirements: Arrive by 10.00am for induction, depart 3pm. Shorter shifts available if needed but most researchers stay for the whole day, and we will provide lunch. You are to engage with individuals and families by providing a simple demonstration or interactive display at a table. There will be ‘Meet the Scientist’ stalls set up specifically for this.
Find out more
Complete the expression of interest form below and get involved in the 2026 National Science Week program.
Feature image: Meet a Scientist tents at Science in the Scrub 2025
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